Disability Rights Arkansas

What We Do

At the beginning of each fiscal year, the DRA Board of Directors adopts priorities based on feedback from individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, and professionals. The priorities adopted by the Board determine the activities for the fiscal year.

The priorities are directly related to the agency mission of vigorously advocating for and enforcing the legal rights of people with disabilities in Arkansas. The corresponding objectives are based on the type of work Disability Rights Arkansas is uniquely qualified to perform.

Please note: Due to limited resources, Disability Rights Arkansas reserves the right to limit cases for each priority and objective. We provide information and referral, direct representation, legal representation, and training and outreach, all at no cost to individuals with disabilities. Not all cases taken by Disability Rights Arkansas will become legal cases, as each case is evaluated on its merits and whether or not private counsel can be obtained.

What We Don't Do

There are certain types of cases that the DRA does not handle, due to limitations of funding, staff resources, potential conflicts, and availability of other resources for assistance with these issues. Exceptions may be made; however, any exceptions must be approved by the DRA Director of Legal and Advocacy Services.

Social Security applications

Food stamp applications/claims

Criminal proceedings – DRA does not provide representation in criminal cases; however, DRA can provide assistance communicating with the Court, Prosecutor, and/or Public Defender about disability-specific needs and issues of a client in certain cases.

Divorce, custody, and child support

Parental abuse/neglect and termination cases – DRA can provide assistance when a parent with a disability is experiencing discrimination in proceedings because of their disability, and in communicating with the court-appointed attorney(s) about disability-specific needs.

Guardianship proceedings – DRA does not assist in obtaining guardianship of persons with disabilities; however, DRA can provide representation to clients who are in need of removing, limiting, and/or challenging guardianship and can provide advice to callers about alternatives to guardianship.

Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) is the independent, private, nonprofit organization designated by the Governor of Arkansas to implement the federally funded and authorized Protection and Advocacy systems throughout the state. DRA services include information and referral, short-term assistance, technical assistance, legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training. DRA services are provided free-of-charge. DRA is independent from state and local government.

Through the leadership of its Governing Board and Advisory Councils, DRA staff provides services to children and adults with disabilities throughout Arkansas. We strive to serve our clients’ expressed wishes.